Graduate: Lead Associate (Operations) (FTC) - Roodepoort

Headhunters; Roodepoort; On-site; ZAR 150,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

Headhunters in Roodepoort is launching a Graduate Operations Leadership Programme. You will rotate through Engineering, Production and Process, gaining hands-on exposure and working with managers across functions to drive projects.

The programme emphasizes technical, functional, and leadership development, with stretch assignments and mentoring to prepare you for future Operations/DC management roles.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, Automation, or Production Engineering.
• Open to recent graduates or candidates with up to 2 years of professional experience.
• Internship or 1 year of relevant workplace exposure preferred.
• Graduated from a reputable university.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Fluency in English and local language (written and verbal).
• Demonstrated determination, adaptability and willingness to embrace challenges.
• Strong interest in developing technical, functional and leadership capabilities.
• Ability to learn quickly, absorb new information and develop innovative solutions.
• Strong collaboration and teamwork skills.
• Credibility and the ability to influence others.
• Basic knowledge of generative AI and digital tools advantageous.
• Available to commence the programme in July.
• Strong engineering mindset and high-performance orientation for Operations and future leadership.

Responsibilities

• Complete structured rotations through key Operations functions (Engineering, Production, Process).
• Participate in cross-functional rotations (Supply Chain, Marketing and Sales).
• Gain holistic understanding of Operations across the business.
• Complete projects during each rotation (2–6 months).
• Work with dedicated managers for guidance and development.
• Develop technical, functional and leadership skills on the job and through training.
• Participate in onboarding and leadership development initiatives.
• Work on stretch assignments to build problem-solving and leadership capabilities.
• Engage with senior mentors for career development.
• Build strong relationships across functions and levels.
• Apply analytical thinking and innovative approaches to operational challenges.
• Demonstrate initiative, determination and adaptability.
• Contribute to assigned projects and business objectives.
• Develop capabilities for future Operations/DC management opportunities.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Decision-making

Communication

Relationship-building

Teamwork

Adaptability

Leadership potential

Learning ability

Innovation mindset

Influencing others

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, Automation, or Production Engineering

Tools

Generative AI knowledge

Digital tools familiarity

Job description

Requirements:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Electrical, Automation, or Production Engineering.
• Open to recent graduates or candidates with up to 2 years of professional experience.
• Ideally, candidates should have completed an internship or gained at least 1 year of relevant workplace exposure.
• Candidates should have graduated from a reputable university.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Fluency in English and the local language, both written and verbal.
• Demonstrated determination, adaptability and willingness to embrace challenges.
• Strong interest in developing technical, functional and leadership capabilities.
• Ability to learn quickly, absorb new information and develop innovative solutions.
• Strong collaboration and teamwork skills.
• Credibility and the ability to build positive relationships and influence others.
• Basic knowledge of generative AI and digital tools would be advantageous.
• Candidates must be available to commence the programme in July.
• A strong engineering mindset, high-performance orientation and genuine interest in Operations and future leadership are essential.

Responsibilities:

• Complete structured rotations through key Operations functions, including Engineering, Production and Process.
• Participate in cross-functional rotations, which may include Supply Chain, Marketing and Sales.
• Gain practical exposure to different areas of the business to develop a holistic understanding of Operations.
• Complete projects and assignments during each rotation, typically lasting between 2 and 6 months.
• Work closely with dedicated managers during each rotation for guidance, support and development.
• Develop technical, functional and leadership skills through on-the-job learning and formal training.
• Participate in onboarding and structured leadership development initiatives.
• Work on stretch assignments designed to build problem-solving, decision-making and leadership capabilities.
• Engage with senior mentors to support career development and organisational understanding.
• Build strong working relationships across different functions and levels of the organisation.
• Apply analytical thinking and innovative approaches to operational challenges.
• Demonstrate initiative, determination and adaptability throughout the programme.
• Contribute meaningfully to assigned projects and business objectives.
• Work towards developing the capabilities required for future Operations/DC management opportunities.

Please note that if you do not receive a response within 2 weeks, your application has been unsuccessful.